Lithium mining: audit sees opportunities and potential for conflict

According to a new analysis, the planned lithium mining in the Eastern Ore Mountains offers both opportunities and potential for conflict. On the one hand, there is the prospect of new jobs as well as economic and regional development, according to the Saxony State Directorate on completion of the spatial impact assessment. On the other hand, there are potential impacts on near-natural spring areas and watercourses, the water balance, nearby spa and recreational resorts and the Ore Mountains/Krušnohoří World Heritage Site.

The aim of this process is to identify problems at an early stage and find solutions, explained Béla Bélafi, head of the authority. Around 600 members of the public had submitted comments, as had 50 public bodies. "The result is not a decision," emphasized Bélafi. The Upper Mining Authority is responsible for the approval process.

Mine could go into operation in 2030 - up to 1,200 jobs

There is a lithium deposit in Zinnwald that a mining company wants to develop. Around 1.5 million tons of lithium ore could initially be mined each year. The raw material is in demand for batteries in smartphones and computers, but also in electric vehicles. The European Union classifies lithium as a critical raw material. This refers to materials that are of great importance to the economy but have a high supply risk.

The ore is to be mined in Zinnwald and processed in Liebenau. A conveyor system is planned for the transport over the approximately nine-kilometer route. According to the regional directorate, the option of a conveyor tunnel is favored due to the lower land consumption following the spatial impact assessment. According to the information provided, a total of around 110 hectares will be required for ore processing.

According to previous plans by mining company Zinnwald Lithium, construction of the mine could begin in 2028 and production could start two years later. The company anticipates up to 1,200 direct and indirect jobs, including 300 to 400 in the mine and processing.